Hunting for an apartment can be an incredibly overwhelming process full of scouring the internet, touring locations, and meeting with potential landlords. However, after finding the perfect location that’s near work, in a great area, and has the amenities you need. After submitting your application, you may be devastated to find that you are denied because of your tenant screening and credit report. If this reflects your circumstances and you were rejected because of credit errors, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what mistakes can hurt your chances and why it’s in your best interest to connect with a Los Angeles, California credit report lawyer who can assist you through these difficult times.
Can Credit Reporting Mistakes Hurt My Tenant Screening?
When you apply for an apartment, you’ll find that you must submit a considerable amount of information. This is to ensure you would be a good fit for the location, by checking your criminal history, income, and credit report. As such, you may find that if there are inaccuracies in your report, it can result in you being denied an apartment or other housing.
For example, if your credit report is mixed with another person’s and they have elections on their record, you can be denied as you would be considered a high-risk tenant. Similarly, if there are inaccurate late payments included, you may be denied. In some serious instances, if your identity is stolen, someone may commit crimes in your name, which could lead to your denial.
It’s also important to understand that even if you are not denied, you may have to pay higher rent or a larger security deposit.
What Should I Do if I’m Negatively Impacted?
If you are negatively impacted because of credit reporting errors, it’s important to understand what you can do to remedy these errors.
You should file a dispute with the credit reporting agency to rectify the information on your report. You’ll need to include evidence to help support your claim that the information on the report is inaccurate. You may also want to submit a copy of this dispute to the landlord, as this could impact the outcome of your application.
In addition to filing a dispute, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you endured. For example, you may need to pay an application fee when applying in addition to a fee that holds the apartment for you while you apply. If your application is denied, you may lose the funds, which can be considered damages. Additionally, you may suffer emotional damages as a result of these errors.
This process can be challenging, so it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can guide you through this complex process. At Los Angeles Legal Solutions, we understand how complicated these matters can be. That’s why our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to help you fight for a fair outcome. Connect with our team today to learn how we can help you through these matters.
